Sports shoe particularly for skiing or skating

Abstract: Sports shoe, particularly usable for skiing or skating, including a shell (2) with which at least one quarter (3) is associable; the shell has a longitudinal opening (4) that is asymmetrical toward the outer region of the foot. The opening can be temporarily closed by means of at least one flap (9) which is preferably made of a less rigid material than the shell. The sports shoe thus has components that selectively comply with the various technical requirements during sports practice.

Description: The present invention relates to a sports shoe particularly usable for skiing or skating. Currently, it is known to manufacture for these two sports a shoe which usually comprises a shell made of plastics with which at least one quarter, also made of plastics, is associable. Particularly in skiing, the skier needs to transfer from the foot to the ski all the forces required for correct sports practice. There is also the problem of combining good comfort of the boot with the possibility of easy insertion of the foot inside the boot. U.S. patent No. 3,325,920 discloses a ski boot comprising a rigid outer shell in which a lateral opening is formed at the inner foot region by virtue of a swinging element that is pivoted to the shell. This solution is structurally very complicated, since it requires the presence of various elements that must be pivoted and temporarily coupled to one another to allow the skier to practice sport comfortably; this solution furthermore requires covering elements to provide watertightness. Lateral entry of the foot is thus not easy for the user due to the large number of actions he must perform to achieve this insertion: furthermore, it should be stressed that the rigidity of the shell in all its parts limits its comfort during sports practice. Furthermore, there is the drawback due to the fact that efforts are not optimally transferred from the boot to the ski, since the swinging element tends to open under stress. U.S. patent No. 3,405,463 also relates to a ski boot having a rigid shell to which a swinging element is hinged in the rear lateral region so as to provide an opening at the inner lateral foot region. This solution, too, has the above-described drawbacks, with the addition of the fact that, as in the previous case, efforts are not transferred well from the boot to the ski, since the swinging element tends to open under stress. EP-A-0521288 discloses a hiking boot provided with a rigid heel piece and a rigid rear cuff which is articulated to the rigid heel piece. The upper of the boot is provided with conventional laces for closing a central opening, and a flexible covering element for covering the upper has a zipper opening extending essentially from the front toe region backwardly and laterally towards the malleolus region. The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the described technical problems, solving the drawbacks of the above-mentioned prior art by a sports shoe that provides the user with optimum transfer of efforts during sports practice. Within the scope of this aim, an important object is to provide a sports shoe that allows easy insertion and good comfort for the foot. An important object is to provide a sports shoe that associates with the preceding characteristics that of having modest manufacturing costs. Another object is to provide a sports shoe that keeps the lateral regions of the foot in an optimum securing position during sports practice. With this aim and these objects in view, there is provided, according to the present invention, a sports shoe, particularly for skiing or skating, as defined in the appended claims. Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of some particular but not exclusive embodiments thereof, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, wherein: figure 1 is a perspective view of a ski boot in open condition, according to the invention; figure 2 is an exploded view of the ski boot of the preceding figure; figure 3 is a view, similar to figure 1, of a further embodiment of the ski boot according to the invention; figure 4 is a side view of the ski boot of figure 3; figure 5 is the opposite side view of the ski boot of figure 4; figure 6 is a rear view of the ski boot of figure 3; figure 7 is a perspective view of the ski boot according to the embodiment of figure 3, wherein levers and racks have been omitted for the sake of clarity; figure 8 is an exploded view of the ski boot of figure 7; figure 9 is another front perspective view of the ski boot according to the embodiment of figure 7; figure 10 is a side view of a ski boot according to a third aspect of the invention; figure 11 is a side view of the shell of the boot of figure 10; figure 12 is a side view, opposite that of figure 11, of the shell of the boot of figure 10: figure 13 is a side view of the quarter of the boot of figure 10: figure 14 is an exploded rear perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention; figure 15 is an exploded side perspective view of the shell of a boot according to a further aspect of the invention; figure 16 is an exploded rear perspective view of the shell of a boot according to still a further aspect of the invention; figures 17 to 22 are exploded side perspective views of respective shells of further embodiments of the invention; figure 23 is an exploded rear perspective view of a quarter of a boot according to a further aspect of the invention; figure 24 is an exploded rear perspective view of a quarter of a boot according to a further aspect of the invention. With reference to the above figures, a sports shoe, particularly a ski boot 1, is constituted by a shell 2 with which at least one quarter 3 is associable. The shell 2, preferably made of rigid plastics, has an asymmetrical longitudinal opening 4. This asymmetry occurs toward the outer lateral region 5 of the foot, where a wall 6 protrudes slightly from the sole; one or more tabs 8 protrude from the perimetric edge 7 of said wall and constitute means that allow to associate an applied flap 9 preferably made of a less rigid material than the shell 2. The shape of the applied flap 9 allows to temporarily close the opening and to secure said flap to the shell by means of adapted known levers 11 provided with tensioning elements 12 that interact for example with adapted racks 13 associated with the shell or with the quarter. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening affects the outer lateral region 5 of the foot, the lateral region 14 of the outer malleolus, and the lateral region 15 of the adjacent part of the leg. Advantageously, the applied flap 9, in addition to allowing to close the opening 4, has an upper tab 22 that surrounds the front part of the leg until it overlaps the shell. The particular configuration and arrangement of the opening 4, together with the fact that the applied flap is made of a soft material, allow the user to provide access to the entire opening in order to insert or remove the foot, although optimum transfer of the efforts from the foot to the underlying ski, wheels, or blade is nevertheless ensured, since in any case the inner lateral region of the foot and part of the outer lateral region thereof interact with the shell and the wall 6, which are more rigid, during sports practice; the underlying implement is in fact maneuvered with the inner part of the foot and the outer part simply provides stability. The quarter 3 is preferably pivoted to the shell 2; advantageously, at least one lug 16 protrudes from the applied flap 9 and is located at a slot 17 that is formed laterally to said quarter 3 in order to allow its oscillation and ensure rear support. It has thus been observed that the invention has achieved the intended aim and objects, a sports shoe having been obtained that has functional parts and covering parts as well as a rigid lateral part on the inner side of the foot that is suitable for maneuvering the ski or skate and a lateral part on the outer side of the foot that is obtained by means of a soft applied securing and covering flap. The asymmetry of the shell allows to provide a shoe the components whereof selectively comply with the various technical requirements of effort transfer for maneuvering the ski or skate and of comfort for the securing and covering of the foot during sports practice. In any case it is stressed that during the closure of the levers the soft flap pushes the foot laterally toward the rigid part of the shell so as to increase the possibility of optimum transfer of efforts to the ski or skate. The shoe according to the invention is naturally susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the same inventive concept. For example, figures 3 to 10 illustrate another embodiment for a ski boot 101 that is constituted by a shell 102 with which at least one quarter 103 is associable. The shell 102, made of rigid plastics, has an asymmetrical opening 104 in which the asymmetry lies toward the outer lateral region 105 of the foot. The opening 104 thus affects, in addition to this region, the lateral malleolar region 114 and the lateral region 115 of the adjacent part of the leg. Furthermore, a recess 119 is formed in the region overlying the ankle, at the rear region 118 of the shell 102. A thinner region is formed on the wall 106 and affects the outer lateral region 105 of the foot, the outer lateral malleolar region 114, the lateral region 115 of the adjacent part of the leg, and the rear region 118 where the recess 119 is formed. A step 120 is thus formed for the resting of the lower perimetric edge 121 of the quarter 103, which is made of a softer material than the shell 102 so as to form a flap having such a shape that it can be associated on one side at the tabs 108 that protrude from the wall 106 and that it allows, on the other side, to temporarily close the opening 104 by means of a flap 109 provided with an upper tab 122 that surrounds the front region of the shell, both lateral regions and the rear region thereof. This applied flap thus has the main function of the quarter but at the same time is also made of a softer material and is consequently less onerous from the point of view of production. Advantageously, a longitudinal support 123 protrudes to the rear of the shell 102; a tongue or spoiler 125 for supporting the skier's leg is present at the free end of said support, which lies above the upper perimetric edge 124 of the quarter 103 once the shell 102 is associated. Said tongue has such a shape that the upper part of the quarter 103, constituted by the tab 122, can be arranged between the lower end 126 of said tongue and the longitudinal support 123; said tab 122 can be secured by means of known levers. This embodiment, too, allows to solve the described technical problem, reducing costs by virtue of the fact that the applied flap also forms the quarter of the boot. Figures 11 to 13 show a ski boot 201, according to a further aspect of the invention, comprising a shell 202 and a quarter 203. The shell 202 comprises an asymmetrical lateral opening 204 preferably at the outer lateral region of the foot. The shell 202 also comprises a rear support 223 having a spoiler member 225. At the inner lateral region, the shell 202 comprises a tab 239 which is L-shaped and advantageously connected to the base of the shell and to the spoiler member 225. The quarter 203, illustrated in figure 13, comprises a base portion 221, a side portion, or flap, 209 and an upper portion 222. The base portion 221 is adapted to be associated with the shell 202 and comprises conventional fastening means, such as holes 208 for bolts (not illustrated). The shell 202 and the L-shaped tab 239 provide the required stiffness to the boot while the quarter 203 allows an easy insertion of the foot and improved comfort. Figure 14 shows a boot 301 comprising a shell 302 and a quarter 303, substantially similar to the boot 201 described above. The quarter 303 is in this case provided with a base ridge 321 and holes 308 for a snap-together connection with the shell 302. Figure 15 shows a boot 401, substantially similar to the boots described above, and wherein the spoiler member 425 is provided as a separate piece from the shell 402. Advantageously, the spoiler 425 can swing with respect to the rear support 423 thereby adapting to the shape of the user's leg. Figure 16 shows a boot 501 substantially similar to the boot described above and wherein the spoiler member 525 has a longitudinal rear slot 551 and is pivoted to the rear support 523 by means of pivot means 550. The pivot means 550 comprises, for example, a bolt and screw adapted to connect the spoiler 525 to the rear support 523 and at the same time adapted to widen or narrow the spoiler size. Figure 17 shows a boot 601, substantially similar to the ones described above, and wherein the L-shaped lateral tab 639 is provided as a separate piece from the shell 602. In this case, the L-shaped tab may be easily provided in a different material from the shell, for example to improve stiffness. Figure 18 shows a boot 701 wherein the L-shaped tab 739 and an upper front flap 770 are provided as a separate piece from the shell 702. Figure 19 shows a boot 801, wherein the rear support 823 and the spoiler member 825 are provided as a separate piece from the shell 802. Figure 20 shows a boot 901 wherein the rear support 923, the spoiler 925 and the L-shaped tab 939 are provided as a separate piece from the shell 902. Figure 21 shows a boot 1001 wherein the rear support 1023 and spoiler 1025 are provided as a separate piece from the shell 1002. The rear support 1023 also comprises a substantial portion of the rear part of the boot at the heel. Figure 22 shows a boot 2001 substantially similar to the boot described above and wherein the rear support 2023 and spoiler 2025 comprise the L-shaped tab 2039. Figure 23 shows a further embodiment of the quarter 3003 provided as two separate pieces 3300 and 3400. The quarter 3003 can be applied to any of the boots described above and has the advantage of allowing to easily use different materials for the different portions of the quarter. Figure 24 shows a further embodiment of the quarter 4003 wherein the base portion comprises a shock absorber 4021 provided as a separate piece from the quarter. In this manner the shock absorber can be easily provided in different materials according to the requirements. The boot according to the invention is naturally susceptible to many other modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the same inventive concept. The materials and the dimensions of the individual components may naturally have the most appropriate densities and hardnesses according to the specific requirements. Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the scope of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims: Sports shoe comprising a rigid shell (2,102,202,302,402,602,702,802, 902,1002) and a quarter (3,103,203,303,3003,4003), said shell comprising an asymmetrical longitudinal opening (4,104,204), said longitudinal opening being closed by at least one flap (9,109,209), said asymmetrical longitudinal opening having an asymmetry occurring toward the outer lateral region (5,105) of the foot, where said shell has a wall (6,106) which protrudes slightly from the sole, said opening extending between a perimetric edge (7) of said wall at the outer lateral foot region of said shell to an edge of said shell which lies essentially in a vertical plane containing the longitudinal axis of the shoe, the shape of said at least one applied flap is such that it allows to temporarily close said opening (4,104,204) and to secure said flap to said wall (6,106) and to said shell at the inner lateral foot region of said shell arranged opposite to said outer lateral foot region (5,105) by extending from said wall (6,106) over said opening (4,104,204) to said inner lateral foot region of the shell to which the flap is secured. Sports shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that tabs (8,108) protrude from the perimetric edge of said wall, said tabs constituting means for associating said at least one applied flap to said wall. Sports shoe according to claim 2, characterized in that said flap is secured to said shell at the inner lateral region by means of adapted levers (11) provided with tensioning elements (12) that interact with adapted racks (13) associated with said shell or with said quarter. Sports shoe according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said opening (4,104,204) affects the outer lateral region (5,105) of the foot, the outer lateral malleolar region (14,114), and the lateral region (15,115) of the adjacent part of the leg. Sports shoe according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one applied flap (9,109,209) is made of a soft material. Sports shoe according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said foot is inserted within an innerboot, the inner lateral region whereof interacts by abutment with said rigid shell (2,102,202,302,402,602,702,802,902,1002) during sports practice. Sports shoe according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one applied flap (9,109) has an upper tab (22,122) that surrounds the front part of the leg until it overlaps the shell (2,102). Sports shoe according to claim 7, characterized in that said quarter (3) is pivoted to said shell, at least one lug (16) protruding from said applied flap, and being arrangeable at a slot (17) formed laterally to said quarter to allow the guided oscillation and ensure the rear support thereof. Sports shoe according to any one or more of the preceding claims 1-7, characterized in that a recess (119) is formed at the rear region of said shell (102) in the region overlying the ankle, a thinner region being formed on said wall (106) that protrudes from said sole and affecting said outer lateral region (105) of the foot, said outer lateral malleolar region (114), said lateral region (115) of the adjacent part of the leg, and the rear region (118) where said recess is formed. Sports shoe according to claim 9, characterized in that said thinner region forms a resting step (120) for the lower perimetric edge (121) of said quarter (103), which is made of a softer material than said shell so as to constitute a flap that has such a shape that it can be associated on one side at said tabs (108) protruding from said wall and that it allows, on the other side, to temporarily close said opening (104) by means of said flap (109), said flap being provided, in an upward region, with a tab that surrounds the front region, both lateral regions and the rear region of said shell. Sports shoe according to claim 10, characterized in that a longitudinal support (123) protrudes to the rear of said shell, a supporting tongue (125) for the skier's leg being present at the free end of said longitudinal support that lies above the upper perimetric edge of said quarter once said shell has been associated. Sports shoe according to claim 11, characterized in that said tongue has such a shape that the upper part of said quarter (103), constituted by said tab (122) that can be secured with levers, can be arranged between the lower end (126) of said tongue and said longitudinal support (123). Sports shoe, according to any one or more of the preceding claims 1-7 and 9-12, characterized in that said flap (209) is associated with said quarter (203). Sports shoe, according to any one or more of the preceding: claim 1; claims 4-7 when not dependent from claims 2-3; and claim 13; characterized said shell (202,602,702,902,2002) comprises an L-shaped tab (239,639,739,939,2039) provided at the inner side of the boot. Sports shoe, according to claim 14, characterized in that said shell (202,402,502,802,902,1002,2002) comprises a rear support member (223,423,523,823,923, 1023,2023). Sports shoe, according to claim 15, characterized in that said rear support member has a spoiler member (225,425,525,825,925,1025,2025). Sports shoe, according to claim 16, characterized in that said spoiler member (425,525) is adapted to swing with respect to said rear support member. Sports shoe, according to claim 16, characterized in that said spoiler member (525) has a longitudinal rear slot (551) and is pivoted to said rear support (523) through pivot means (550) adapted to regulate the size and position of said spoiler member. Sports shoe, according to claim 14, characterized in that said L-shaped tab (639) is provided as a separate piece from said shell (602). Sports shoe, according to claim 14, characterized in that said L-shaped tab (739) is provided as a separate piece from said shell (702) and comprises an upper front flap (770). Sports shoe, according to claim 15, characterized in that said rear support member (823) is provided as a separate piece from said shell (802). Sports shoe, according to claims 14 and 15, characterized in that said L-shaped tab (939) and said rear support member (923) are provided as a separate piece from said shell (902). Sports shoe according to claim 15, characterized in that said rear support member (1023,2023) comprises a heel portion, said rear support member and said heel portion being provided as a separate piece from said shell (1002). Sports shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that said quarter (3003) is provided as two separate pieces (3300,3400).

Inventors: FOFFANO MASSIMO, FOSCARO GIANCARLO, LUCCHETTA FAUSTINO, FOFFANO, MASSIMO, FOSCARO, GIANCARLO, LUCCHETTA, FAUSTINO
Applicants: BENETTON SPA, BENETTON GROUP S.P.A.
Application year: 1994
Main classification: A43B5
IPC codes: A43B5